General Information:
Chemical Formula:
CuSO4·5(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 249.69 gm)
Copper 25.45 % Cu
Hydrogen 4.04 % H
Sulfur 12.84 % S
Oxygen 57.67 % O
Empirical Formula:
Cu(SO4)·5(H2O)
Environment:
Secondary, formed in arid climates or in rapidly oxidizing copper deposits.
Locality:
Walls and timbers of copper mines.
Name Origin:
From the Greek chalkos, "copper" and anthos, "flower." Generally pysdomorphous after Boothite.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[110] Imperfect, [110] Indistinct, [111] Indistinct
Color:
green, green blue, light blue, or dark blue.
Density:
2.12 - 2.3, Average = 2.21
Diaphaniety:
Subtransparent to translucent
Habits:
Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on matrix., Stalactitic - Shaped like pendant columns as stalactites or stalagmites (e.g. calcite)., Reniform - "Kidney like" in shape (e.g .. hematite).
Hardness:
2.5 - Finger Nail
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
More details...